CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY BY PAIRING 10 ITALIAN WINES WITH 10 RECIPES

Each of us should express gratitude and love to our mother every day, but there is one day we can do something truly special for her: Mother’s Day. This year it falls on Sunday, May 11. If you want to avoid the the usual gifts, consider preparing a personalized meal, such as a homemade brunch instead of going to a restaurant. You can make it extra special by pairing your brunch recipes with some Italian wines. Here are a few suggestions that can turn an ordinary brunch into an unforgettable experience.

Giannitessari “Lessini Durello Brut Metodo Classico” Lessini Durello DOC (VR) .

Durella is an uncommon white local variety that grows only on hills of volcanic origin such as those between the Verona and Vicenza province. “Since 2013, Lessini Durello has been one of the pillars of our production” explains Gianni Tessari, the owner of this winery in Roncà (Verona). This classic method of sparkling wine aged for at least three years on the lees. “Durello Metodo Classico has the extraordinary ability to defy time, which allows aromas and flavors to perfect their delicate balance”. The wine has a sharp yet delicate acidity, a nose of white wildflowers, and white-fleshed fruit with hints of toasted bread. The mouth is medium-structured with a great balance between acidity and minerality and a lingering finish. A great wine to counterbalance the fatness of the hollandaise sauce in one of the most appreciated American dishes in the Mother’s Day such as the egg Benedict.

2024 Paololeo “RosaMora” Rosato Salento IGP (BR).

Paololeo is a family-run winery situated in one of the most suitable regions for viticulture in Puglia: Salento. The pink wine, made with the autochtonous Malvasia Nera grape crafted from the local Malvasia Nera grape, exhibits a beautiful cherry pink color and enticing aromas of ripe red fruits, complemented by a hint of Mediterranean wild herbs. Its flavors evoke strawberries and raspberries, making it an ideal pairing for a strawberry and spinach salad.

2022 Ca’ Rugate “Monte Fiorentine Soave Classico” DOC (VR).

A white wine made with the native grapes Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave, cultivated on the volcanic hills of Brognoligo, a village near Monteforte d’Alpone (VR). Michele Tessari is the owner and winemaker of Ca’ Rugate, and this Soave is one of his most successful wines. The glass displays a deep straw yellow, with a delicate nose of exotic fruit and citrus. In the mouth it is persistent, savory, long and well-balanced, with a final taste of almond. Although you can serve this wine as an aperitif, it will pair perfectly with seafood dishes or spring pea pasta with burrata and ham.

2022 Castello di Meleto “Chianti Classico” DOCG (SI).

Sangiovese grape and a small percentage (5%) of Merlot make up this classic and delicious red wine. The winery has a magnificent castle dating back to the XIII century, and the estate management takes great care to ensure sustainability and respect for the environment. The flavors have distinct notes of flowers, fresh plums, and cherries with hints of sweet spices. Fruity, round, velvety, with smooth tannins, this Chianti Classico has a fresh and persistent taste. A wine like this will even enhance a food like as roasted lamb chops.

2020 Duca di Salaparuta “Duca Enrico” Sicilia DOC.

“This Nero d’Avola 100% is an iconic wine, fresh and lively as a sip of Sicily”, says Roberto Magnisi, general manager of the company. The color is red and intense, with purplish highlights. The nose has aromas of red fruit and intense notes of red-orange and spices, while the palate is firm and pleasantly fruity, with a touch of oak. Its gentle acidity makes it a great complement to the honey-glazed ham.

2022 Kobler Grauer Burgunder “Oberfeld” Südtiroler DOC.

Vibrant, juicy, and exceptionally easy to drink, this wine distinguishes itself from the typical Pinot Gris you may be familiar with. It presents a nose with notes of minerality, pear, and honeydew. On the palate, you’ll find subtle flavors of pear and melon. It pairs wonderfully with a dish of herb-crusted salmon.

2022 Fonzone “Le Mattine” Irpinia Falanghina DOC (AV).

In the heart of Campania (South Italy), Irpinia is a mountainous area that stands apart from the stereotypical image of sunny southern coasts. In this zone, the Fonzone Caccese family produces one of the most typical grape varieties of the region: Falanghina. “Le Mattine” is an elegant and fresh Falanghina in purity. The nose is dominated by citrus peel and broom, while the palate is balanced by fruit and significant acidity. With this wine, you can serve a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish featuring lemon zest and dill-flavored whipped feta, such as the Za’atar chicken with Feta cheese.

2020 Briziarelli Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG (PG).

“I would define it as ‘the wine of less’: less oaky aromas, less complexity, but more fruit and straightforwardness. Our Sagrantino is a wine that should be enjoyed with every meal, not just on special occasions.” Alessandro Giannoni, the dynamic COO of the Briziarelli winery, focuses on attracting new consumers. This Sagrantino di Montefalco showcases fruity aromas on the nose, featuring scents of balsamic notes and ripe red fruit intertwined with spices and tertiary hints of leather. On the palate, it is velvety, warm, and has good acidity. There’s nothing better than pairing this wine with a plate of steak, peach, and watercress salad.

Cavicchioli “Marchio Storico” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC sweet sparkling wine.

This Lambrusco di Sorbara features a delicate purple perlage and aromas of small red fruits and violets. On the palate, it offers a delightful blend of ripe red fruits and floral notes, balanced by a harmonious acidity. It pairs beautifully with a classic spring dessert, such as strawberry shortcake.

2017 Roccolo Grassi “Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG” (VR).

Two siblings, Marco and Francesca Sartori, manage the familiar winery “Roccolo Grassi” located in the Mezzane Valley, not far from Verona. They produce both white Soave and red Valpolicella wines using sustainable practices and with meticulous care at every stage of the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the bottling. In the glass the Recioto displays a red ruby color with violet nuances, at the nose has hints of cherry jam, red and blue berries, plums, violet flowers, spices, chocolate, and tobacco. The taste is elegant, with great finesse and complexity, and a great balance of acidity, sweetness, and alcohol. A wine that feels like a caress: sweet, silky, warm. Pair it with a bowl of strawberries covered in melted dark chocolate: voilà, it will be the perfect end of your happy familiar celebration.

Elisabetta Tosi